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/ view into our gathering space with a mix of secondhand, vintage and new finds Most of us are familiar with the idea of fast food and why it isn’t the best option on many levels. Similarly, fast fashion has long been criticized for its environmental and ethical issues. But there’s another industry with a similar problem — fast furniture. With its low prices and trendy designs, fast furniture has become the go-to for renters, first-time homeowners, and style-conscious buyers. “Fast” offers convenience and affordability but often with a hidden cost when it comes to these cheap thrills: poor quality, environmental waste, and a cycle of constant replacement. In this post, we’ll explore fast furniture and dupe culture this is a growing problem — and more importantly, how you can make smarter, more sustainable choices for your home. what's really filling our homes Simply put, fast furniture is mass produced pieces that are designed for resale with an emphasis on the speed of service. They are meant to be used short-term rather than longevity. Think of trendy but flimsy particleboard furniture or cheap sofas that barely last a few years before falling apart. With the latest trending pieces comes the rise of dupe culture and knockoffs. Just like clothing, a lot of furniture and accessories we see nowadays are made to resemble higher-end designs and we all know how that goes. They’re made to be disposable - use the piece, throw it and buy into the next trend. And this cycle of use and throw continues. It may seem like a budget-friendly option, but the costs often add up – both financially and environmentally. the original Sun Tray duped by another brand / Left: Sun Tray in Travertine by Anastasio Home; Image via Anastasio Home website /Right: Scalloped Tray in Travertine by a brand on Amazon; Image via Amazon website When one trend goes viral, it seems like overnight every other brand produces their version of it often for cheaper. In just a matter of a few days, it’s designed cheaply, manufactured and shipped off to our homes. There are even apps that scour the internet for fancy knockoffs , helping people buy a product they might otherwise not be able to afford (or even need). Dupe culture also tends to restrict creativity and the authenticity of a product when trends seem to be fleeting. Here are some of the recent interior trends I’ve seen going around. If it was a checkerboard pattern yesterday, today it’s stripes. If it was the butter yellow color yesterday, today it’s pistachio green. Let’s not forget Fisherman Core style and all the current hype around it! Don’t get me wrong – it’s meant to be a nod to nautical inspired, timeless and the beauty of everyday kind-of lifestyle. It’s meant to favor quality over trends. But when a style goes viral, it has a tendency to lose its charm in a mere couple of months.  // investing in a few high quality pieces would fare much better for you than shopping for 20-25 "fast" pieces. / some interesting fisherman core products I came across; Images via Pinterest We start seeing accessories and everyday products in that style trickle down to chains such as Target and Walmart as well. I wouldn’t be surprised to see fish-themed plates and artwork being mass-produced. It’s a completely different case if that’s a style you resonate with and is timeless for you. A walk along the aisles of such stores or even targeted social media ads may tend to blur the idea of our individual preferences. Hence, becoming a more conscious shopper is even more pertinent if we don’t want to end up filling our homes with mere things that hold no meaning or value in our lives. what can we do about it Fast furniture may be cheap and convenient, but it comes at a high cost to the environment — and your wallet in the long run. Luckily, there’s a better way to style your home beautifully without waste. If you’re in the market for something new for your home, investing in a few high quality pieces would fare much better for you than shopping for 20-25 “fast” pieces. Maybe let’s shift our shopping mindsets from buying often to buying well. Although, buying well has become really expensive and inaccessible for most of us these days.  // sometimes trying to live sustainably can look like: using and loving the pieces you have for as long as you can. Given the choice, I’m guessing most of us would want to be a conscious consumer without breaking the bank. This is where my love for buying vintage and secondhand pieces grew. You don’t have to settle for shopping the dupe when instead you can get the real thing for less. Check out [Sustainable Style on a Budget: How Buying Vintage Saves Money and the Planet] for budget-friendly ways to shop smarter and design with impact. a case for doing fast furniture sustainably So does this mean everything I own is high-quality, sustainably made and organic? Definitely not. I could attempt to rehome or donate the product instead of adding it to the landfill. As we’ve heard, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.  / From left to right: Ikea pine chairs, Target black framed mirror, Amazon metal platform bed to which I added a headboard later Now, what if I’m good with some of my fast furniture pieces like the Ikea pine chairs or my full length black mirror from Target? How about the boring metal platform bed from Amazon? They aren’t the best design or sustainable choice but this was all I could afford back when I moved to the US for my graduate studies. That would mean these pieces are over 7 years and counting; I’d say that’s living sustainably to me.  If we start disposing off our “unsustainable” stuff in an attempt to be more sustainable, it would just be a counterproductive exercise and probably a clever marketing campaign into buying even more stuff. It can be a slippery slope between our good efforts toward conscious living and the consumerism trap. closing thoughts With fast furniture creating massive environmental waste and clogging landfills, there has been a recent shift towards secondhand and vintage shopping. It might be a small individual contributor but an impactful way to live more sustainably. Supporting the circular economy means valuing craftsmanship, reusing what already exists, and resisting the constant cycle of cheap, disposable decor. And the best part? Your home will be uniquely yours, with a collected, intentional style that tells a story. Sustainable shopping doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style or comfort. In fact, buying vintage, well-crafted items has completely transformed my home — and my mindset. And sometimes trying to live sustainably can look like: using and loving the pieces you have for as long as you can.

/ our living room with a mix of design elements We’ve all been there: obsessed with a color, a pattern, or a vintage detail - but unsure of how (or if) it will actually work in our home. Should you go all-in on stripes? Is needlepoint too traditional? Can marble add warmth into a space? The truth is: design elements don’t have to be all or nothing. You can experiment with them in different scales, shapes, and contexts until you figure out if they truly belong in your space - and your life. This is a low stakes guide on how to explore design styles and elements - like color, texture, patterns, and ornamentation - through layers and proportions that help you get a feel before making bold (and potentially expensive) decisions. Pro: these ideas are perfect for small-space living and are renter-friendly as well! start small: test with accessories and accents Before committing to a bold wall color or a vintage cabinet, try introducing that element in small, movable ways. Color:  Use throw pillows, candles, vases or lampshades in the shade you’re drawn to. Material:  Bring in a marble tray, wrought-iron candle holder, or a jute coaster set to test the vibe. Embroidery:  Add a single cushion with a cross-stitch detail or a mini needlepoint wall hanging to see how the texture feels in your mix. / experimenting styles: red vein marble as a catch-all, decorative stripe plate in colors of our home, mini needlepoint lampshade Think of these as “design samples” you live with - no paint required. All of the above require minimal commitment and are easier to swap with a friend or sell if it doesn’t work out. // a material or motif may surprise you when the form changes. play with scale: from subtle to statement Scale changes everything. Stripes can be bold and graphic in wallpaper or soft and charming in tea towels. Needlepoint can feel nostalgic on a pillow, or striking and unexpected as a framed art piece. / playing with scale and proportion of stripes Here are some ways you can experiment with the scale of design styles. Stripes or Checkered Pattern Small: dish towels, napkins, throw pillows Medium: upholstered bench, stool Large: painted ceiling or wallpaper, curtains, area rug Tramp art Small: picture frames, jewelry boxes Medium: mirror frame Large: side table or console Marble Small: catch-all, coasters, decorative link-knot Medium: table lamp, pedestal bowl, accent table Large: coffee table, dining table or base Trying something in varying scales lets you find the balance that feels right - and avoids overwhelm. mix shapes and forms Some elements feel completely different depending on how they’re shaped or presented. Test a design element in various forms to see what resonates. / an intricate beaded frame with checkerboard mat Wrought-iron in an accent side table  feels edgy and modern while iron as a curved lamp base feels soft and luxe. Ceramic lamps with fabric shades  give off a softer feel; in  rattan or paper shades , the lamp looks more structured. A material or motif might surprise you when the form changes. An intricate beaded frame might give grandma chic vibes but when paired with a checkerboard pattern fabric mat, it resonates with my style. // repetition creates rhythm and comfort - and helps you decide if you're ready to go bolder. repeat, don't overdo One way to safely  explore a new element is through repetition - not saturation. Repeating a motif or material two or three times in a room in varied forms or scales can build cohesion without commitment. Let me highlight a material and color in our home as examples. I’ve been consciously layering brass into our rental home; it adds warmth and character to the space especially when it’s vintage. One of the colors I’ve been drawn to is a soft, muted blue which I try to incorporate on a smaller scale currently throughout the living room. A thrifted wooden tray with brass corner detail holding a brass bowl in blue with motifs on our red marble coffee table Our entry cabinet holds a painter’s palette board with oranges-blues next to a brass Victorian mirror The artwork on our gallery wall has hints of soft blue with vintage brass decor scattered around our low cabinet A touch of blue on the vintage needlepoint lamp and the brass drawer handle on my writing desk I might go bolder on the color choice and add dusty blue drapery panels in our guestroom since that’s in immediate view from our living space. This will allow the color to flow better from one area of our home to another. Repetition creates rhythm and comfort - and helps you decide if you’re ready to go bolder. embrace the experiment Design isn’t static. It evolves as you do. Let your home be a lab - try them on first in small doses, different shapes and soft layers. Rearrange. Swap things around. Be curious - design isn’t perfection. Live with something for a week before you decide. Make mistakes - then pivot. Home is a reflection of who you are - and that’s allowed to change. closing thoughts Your home is an experiment; we’re complex humans in a state of constant growth and change. Give your home the breathing space to evolve into your family’s portrait of becoming. It should be a space where you get to try things on - not a place where you feel locked into one “look” or a specific design style. By playing with scale, shape, repetition, and material , you can thoughtfully explore design elements like embroidery, pattern, material, color, and more - without the pressure to go all-in. And in doing so, you’ll start to build a space that doesn’t just follow trends or curate a home for external validation - it reflects your story, layer by layer. Shop the Style

Let’s start with a personal anecdote: if I had to furnish my house with all brand new products of higher quality from stores, there is no way I’d be able to afford most of it. So when our friends visit home and love one of my most prized finds, a vintage writing desk, I’m always excited to debunk the myth that probably might be in their minds: this might’ve cost her hundreds of dollars. I found the desk from a local online vintage seller for about $250 which is such a steal! It’s beneficial for us both while being sustainable and budget-friendly. / my prized find, the writing desk paired with a 1960s Singer vintage tweed sewing chair Sustainable style doesn’t have to be expensive, minimalist aesthetics or high-end eco-brands. But what does it even mean? Google describes sustainable living as; a lifestyle that attempts to reduce the use of the Earth’s natural resources by an individual or society. One of the most stylish and budget-friendly ways to furnish your home while being kind to the planet is buying vintage. Not only does it add timeless character to a space, but it also reduces waste, cuts costs, and gives new life to well-made pieces. In this post, we’ll explore how embracing pre-loved goods can help you create a unique, eco-conscious home without breaking the bank; no matter whatever your design style is. why buying vintage is a win-win for your wallet and the earth Every year, millions of tons of furniture end up in landfills. According to the Environmental Protection Agency , Americans throw out more than 12 million tons of furniture each year and this creates mountains of solid waste that have increased a whopping 450 percent since 1960. Buying pre-loved goods extends the life of existing pieces. Unlike mass-produced furniture, vintage items don’t require new materials, energy-intensive manufacturing, or long-distance shipping which reduces the overall carbon footprint. Investing in such pieces or even secondhand goods keeps our current resources in use longer as well; thereby minimizing environmental impact and supporting a circular economy. / Americans throw out 12 million tons of furniture each year. Image via Unsplash. There is a reason why vintage pieces, both furniture and decor, are still around in comparison to the Wayfair furniture piece you might’ve bought just a year ago. Many of them are made with quality materials – solid wood and real metals – and durable craftsmanship. Unlike fast furniture, vintage finds are built to last – meaning you’re investing in quality rather than something destined to clog the landfills. // Have you wondered though: why exactly are vintage pieces more affordable? While sustainability is a rising trend, many buyers might still prefer brand new furniture... Due to their well-made quality, vintage finds can appreciate in value over the years. So if you ever were to sell one for whatever reason – maybe it’s not your style anymore or it doesn’t fit your new house like it did before – the resale value on it might be better than what you think. If you’ve noticed, these unique pieces are definitely one-of-kind that you wouldn’t find anywhere else, which isn’t the case with cheap, mass-produced goods. This adds personality and character into any space without the need for pricey designer items. / the famous Knoll Pollock Executive Chair in chocolate brown leather from 1972. Photograph: @secondhandsaustin Although, you can find famous brand or designer vintage pieces in circulation if you are persistent enough. Notice the image above: it’s the Knoll Pollock Executive Chair in chocolate brown leather – the well-known epitome of midcentury sophistication in home office furniture. Yes it’s vintage and the real deal which I scored for way less than one-fourth of the current price, $3,672 (includes ship + tax) on their website. Have you wondered though: why exactly are vintage pieces more affordable? While sustainability is a rising trend, many buyers might still prefer brand new furniture meaning vintage hasn’t fully surged yet and hence the secondhand market is relatively untapped keeping prices lower in my opinion. Even if vintage is often of better quality, fast furniture brands have flooded the market with trendy alternatives, perhaps making pre-loved pieces less desirable to some buyers. I also think, as baby boomers downsize, there’s an influx of secondhand goods hitting the market and since not everyone values older furniture, it can be found at bargain prices. finding affordable vintage When I initially started furnishing our small rental apartment, I wasn’t sure on where to look for good quality preloved pieces other than Facebook marketplace and Etsy. The following are a roundup of my go-to options for vintage:  Online Marketplaces – Facebook Marketplace, vintage stores on Instagram, Craigslist, and eBay are goldmines for affordable vintage finds. Thrift Stores and Flea Markets – Hidden gems at budget-friendly prices. Antique Shops & Consignment Stores – While sometimes pricier, these places often have curated, high-quality selections. Estate Sales and Auctions – Great for scoring high-quality furniture and statement pieces. Local Buy/Sell Groups – Community groups often have amazing deals, sometimes even free finds like Buy Nothing Groups. hot tip! hit favorite on that FBMP item, follow that vendor on Instagram and save that Etsy shop product even if you’re just browsing for fun. This helps train the algorithm to understand your preferences and eventually you will have curated suggestions of products, stores and sellers.  Make sure to inspect the piece for stains, scratches, dents, water damage, mold or any other issues. Ask the seller for multiple photographs before taking a call. And if you’re not a DIY-er, like me, or don’t have the time to devote to a repair project, don’t take on more than you can chew. It may end up costing you more in the long run. Here are some pointers I follow to spot for quality vintage pieces: solid wood construction instead of cheap particleboard or laminates, dovetail joinery as signs of good craftsmanship, real metals whether it be table legs or hardware, sturdy frames especially for seating - sofas, beds, chairs. closing thoughts Buying vintage isn’t just about saving money – it’s about creating a home with soul while making a positive impact on the planet. Whether you’re hunting for a statement piece or looking to furnish an entire space, shopping vintage and secondhand is one of the perfect ways to embrace sustainable style on a budget. PS: What’s been your best affordable vintage find? Share your stories in the comments or tag @_collectedspaces on Instagram – I’d love to hear how you scored them!

I’ve always fancied the art of arranging things - furniture, objects, artwork - and I keep reiterating them until I know in my gut that it’s good. It feels like this is how those pieces belong and balance with each other in the room. In my childhood years, our apartment in Dubai and single-family home in India were my initial canvases that led me down a career path of interior design. I have my parents to thank for that - the freedom of design expression in our home, exploring home furnishing stores together, and exposure to the cultures of the Middle East and India. / my favorite view of the primary bedroom from our first rental Fast forward to the present, our growing little family - my partner, our baby girl and a little furry cat, are nestled in a small but charming space in Austin, Texas. Our home is a reflection of everything I love—vintage finds, personal stories, thrifted treasures, and a commitment to slow, intentional living.  // ...accept whatever limitations you are presented with and still, weave your story through your sacred space. So you ask, how is this blog any different from the gazillion ones out there already? Well for one, it’s a corporate-managed rental apartment which really squeezes the wiggle room of aesthetic freedom you otherwise might possibly have. So I guess no painting walls or fixture swaps for me, at least in the near future. A peel-and-stick wallpaper maybe? Two, I work with a pretty tight budget which really does help in curating our space with intentionality and thoughtfulness. And three, a small space with a square footage of just about 1000 sq ft  means mindful arrangements for easy flow without it feeling overly stuffy. T hese challenges make the process all the more exciting and I hope that would encourage you as well to accept whatever limitations you are presented with and still, weave your story through your sacred space. our home and design philosophy Living in a small space doesn’t mean sacrificing style, comfort, or personality. Yes, the boring millennial beige is a downer.  But in fact, it’s the perfect opportunity to curate a home that feels intentional, beautiful and uniquely yours. Here at Our Petite Home , we embrace mixing vintage pieces along with the modern and the art of layering which brings out the character even in the smallest spaces. / mixing styles: a pair of postmodern accent chairs flank the reclaimed wood cabinet You’ll find me in my creative element as I try to strike a balance between the past and present. Mixing styles of furniture, accessories and everyday objects is one of my tools to create a home that layers beautifully and holds meaning to those who live there. Interiors of our home hold an immensely important effect on us more than we realize; although, I’ve found it to be neglected especially if it’s a rental unit or isn’t your forever home. I hope by sharing our journey, sprinkled with some knowledge and practical tools, it makes you think a bit more about the spaces we live in and be more confident in making decisions even if it’s a temporary dwelling. Perspective switch: think portable treasures! Furnishing a home has become a lot more expensive over these past few years. Let’s just say; I have champagne taste with a lemonade budget. This led me down the road of Facebook marketplaces and Esty vendors, and eventually navigating the world of sourcing vintage. Pre-loved pieces are often way more affordable than buying brand new furniture. Better for your wallet and the planet! They have so much character, history and unsaid stories, and the idea that we can use these pieces left behind to create new stories is something that truly excites me. From an antique wooden dresser to a set of postmodern chairs, every secondhand find has a story—and I can’t wait to share those stories with you. going forward Here I’ll be sharing my journey of creating a home that’s both stylish and sustainable, proving that you don’t need a big house or a big budget to have a space you love. Whether you’re a fellow vintage collector, a small-space dweller, or someone looking to bring more intentionality into your home, I hope you’ll find ideas and encouragement here. Stay tuned for upcoming posts on how to score the best vintage finds, my favorite ways to style a small space, and practical tips for slow, intentional living at home.  And with that, welcome to our petite home!